Chapter 12 #3
She sent out an email blast informing everyone she dealt with that Austin Wylie was no longer an investor in Eugenia Ward, Princess Eugenie, or Cotton Candy, and that his money had been returned.
The press talked about it and commented on it the next day.
She was worried about her business again, and distracted, but as promised, she got a call from Liz on Friday afternoon.
“Two down and one to go,” she reported in a voice of victory.
“Two what?” Eugenia thought Liz was talking about her Cotton Candy dress order, which was large and had just been sent to her.
“Two investors, of course. One is a really sweet guy in the garment district who owns four factories in New Jersey and loves what you do, and one is a shut-in who was a designer in her youth and loves fashion. She married a wealthy man and retired early, and now she’s a widow.
The first one gave us ten million, the second one gave us five.
I’ve made some good investments for them and made them a lot of money.
I can get you another five million easily.
It’s a small amount of money and you’re a big, important brand.
They’re really excited to invest in your business, and want to help you out.
” Eugenia couldn’t believe that her rhinestone-studded not-so-genteel little daughter-in-law had gotten her fifteen million dollars in two days.
And the third investor was sure to come.
Five million was not a big investment for anyone to make and Liz would find it.
“Liz, I can’t tell you how grateful I am,” Eugenia said to her.
“It was fun. I loved it. I’ll get you the other five within a week.”
Eugenia was floating on a cloud at the store that afternoon, thinking about the money and how efficient Liz was.
And then suddenly she looked up and Natasha was there.
She seemed tired and worried, and Eugenia realized how unpleasant this was for her.
She probably had had no idea what Austin was up to, and certainly not the scale to which he was implicated.
Her whole life must be upside down now too.
“So we are not partners anymore?” Natasha said sadly. And even if she was vulgar and badly dressed, she was harmless and smart, and she loved Eugenia’s brands, and was so proud to be part of the business.
“I gave the money back,” Eugenia told her. “It’s already on its way to Austin’s account. My daughter-in-law just found two investors for me. I still need another one,” Eugenia said candidly.
“For five million, how much partnership do I get?” Natasha looked mischievous as she said it. She didn’t appear to be too sympathetic about Austin’s fate. Eugenia wondered if she even liked him. Maybe not. Maybe she’d even turned state’s evidence against him. They were a tough crowd.
“For five million, you get five percent ownership. Don’t waste your money, Natasha, it’s not worth it.” She might need the money now with Austin in prison, where he was sure to end up.
“Five percent is good. I’ll give you five million. I can afford it. And I can work in the store whenever you want me,” Natasha said, smiling. Eugenia wanted to hug her. And then she thought of something.
“Did Austin give you the money? Originally?” If he had, it would still be dangerous for her if they traced it. Natasha smiled mysteriously.
“No, this is my money. Not Austin’s. I get it from selling the jewelry he gives me. It’s all expensive and I don’t like it.” It struck Eugenia as funny, but the money was clean. The jewelry belonged to Natasha, according to their prenup, and she had a right to sell it if she wished.
“What’s going to happen to you now if Austin goes to jail?” Eugenia asked her.
“My lawyer says he will. I’m going to divorce him,” Natasha said matter-of-factly, with no look of regret.
And then she lowered her voice so no one could hear her, except Eugenia.
“I have a boyfriend. He’s much richer than Austin.
He’s Russian like me. And very smart.” Eugenia couldn’t help wondering how girls like Natasha managed to always land on their feet.
It was a business to them, and they were good at it. She smiled at Natasha.
“I’m happy for you,” and she meant it.
“I’ll transfer the five million to you on Monday. And we’re partners five percent. My lawyer will draw up contract. Everything is good now. And Austin is gone.” Natasha shook Eugenia’s hand, hugged her and kissed her, and left a few minutes later.
Eugenia called Liz to tell her that she had found the last five million herself.
And Natasha seemed like an honest woman.
With magic powers to use on wealthy men.
Eugenia was back in business, and by next week should have twenty million in her bank account again for her brands.
Patrick had saved her with the morals clause he had insisted on in her contract with Austin Wylie.
And Natasha had turned out to be an unexpected blessing.
She was a very smart woman, and not the mindless trophy wife she appeared to be.
Eugenia actually liked her and they were “partners five percent.”